15 Best Day Trips from Madrid

Madrid is one of the most popular cities in all of Europe. Partly due to their world famous football team, Real Madrid, and in part for the incredible history and architecture that it houses, Madrid really does have something for everyone.

With balmy summer days and cool winter months Madrid is a year-round destination and each season brings something new to explore.

Once you have ticked off the Buen Retiro Park, the Royal Palace and of course the Plaza Mayor, it’s time to escape the city limits and explore Spain as a whole.

From historic cities to wine regions, from royal palaces to coastal retreats there is a heap of great day trips from Madrid to enjoy.

Let’s take a look:

1. Barcelona

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Barcelona

Although a fair hike, Barcelona can be easily reached in the space of a day trip from Madrid.

Spain’s buzzing second city has a whole host of cultural and historical gems to explore.

The Sagrada Família and Park Güell are the must-visit sights in Barcelona.

Park Güell is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Spain and is a one of Gaudi’s most impressive architectural works.

Football fans will have ample time to sign up to a tour of Camp Nou, the stadium home ground for FC Barcelona.

Self-confessed foodie travellers should make a beeline for La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous indoor food market.

2. Toledo

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Toledo

Toledo is one of Spain’s best loved UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a great addition to any visit to this wonderful nation.

Toledo is often dubbed at the ‘City of Three Cultures’ for it has been home to harmonious communities of Christians, Jews and Muslims for decades.

Toledo provides a wonderful introduction to all three faiths and the religious buildings that are scattered throughout the city are each more magnificent than the last.

Toledo is situated atop of a gorge that offers incredible views over the Río Tajo.

Home to a wonderful history of art, Toledo provided an artistic sanctuary for greats like El Greco.

3. Segovia

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Segovia

A highlight of any day trip to Segovia is to marvel at the Aqueduct of Segovia.

That said, the Alcázar of Segovia is pretty darn impressive, as is the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

The Aqueduct of Segovia was built by the Romans, features two tires and a whopping 167 arches.

It’s a awe-inspiring feat of historic construction that has stood the test of time.

The Alcázar of Segovia is certainly not to be missed.

This restored medieval castle has been brought back to life after a devastating fire.

The rooms are beautiful decorated and the armoury museum is seriously impressive.

If you have time do consider a visit to Real Casa de la Moneda, Spain’s former royal mint.

4. Avila

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Ávila

Avila is a historic walled city that lies just over 100 km from Madrid.

Known also at the Town of Stones and Saints, Avila has an interesting history to explore.

It really is incredible that the walls and turrets of Avila are still standing.

The town features over 80 of these towers and there nine different gated entrances.

Despite its age it is still possible to walk along the top some sections of the walls which is a wonderful experience, offering amazing views of the town below.

Within the walls of Avila you will find a fortified cathedral that dates back to the 12th-Century and a number of gothic palaces which are not to be missed.

5. Salamanca

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Salamanca

Salamanca is another Spanish city to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and deservingly so, there is just so much culture and history here.

The New Cathedral of Salamanca is truly a sight to behold.

Ornate and imposing, the Cathedral features unique carvings that have been added slowly throughout the years, including an astronaut (of all things) during the 1990s.

For those interested in gothic architecture Casa de las Conchas should not be overlooked.

Covered from top to bottom in seashell motifs the Casa de las Concha one of Salamanca’s hidden gems.

All this water makes the landscape incredibly fertile, add in the Spanish sunshine and you have the perfect recipe for a vineyard.

There are dozens of wineries in the Madrid wine country and the winemaking history of this area dates back nearly a century.

During a day trip to the wine region you not only have the opportunity to taste some of Europe’s best wines but to learn about grape cultivation, wine production and the history of this lush landscape too.

If you’re seeking a food based cultural adventure then a day trip to the Ribera del Duero region is certainly for you.

9. San Lorenzo de El Escorial

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Royal Monastery Of San Lorenzo De El Escorial

The small down of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is home of the royal seat.

In centuries gone by San Lorenzo de El Escorial was the full time residence for the King of Spain.

El Escorial itself in an vast imposing building build during the Renaissance era and is an expansive palace complex that could take a whole day of its own to explore.

If you’re travelling with children you can add a little variety into the mix and take a few hours to visit the Insect Park; an easy way to get the little ones back onside during a history filled day.

10. La Mancha

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Castilla La Mancha

La Mancha is a region of central Spain, east of Madrid, that provided the setting for ‘Don Quixote’ the 17th-Century novel by Miguel de Cervantes.

A visit to La Mancha region offers you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the lovable nobleman and connect with the Spanish countryside.

La Mancha is home to the largest vineyard in the world.

Budding sommeliers will not miss the chance to visit such a significant spot.

The wineries of La Mancha still employ traditional winemaking methods Easily one of the most beautiful areas of Spain La Mancha is best experienced with a glass of wine in one hand and a copy of ‘Don Quixote’ in the other.